How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

How does centering Cardan in this book change the reading of events seen or alluded to in the trilogy? How might the story read differently if told from the perspective of a different character?

In what way is Cardan an antihero versus a villain? Choose another antihero from a different book and compare and contrast them with Cardan.

What is Cardan trying to prove—if anything—when he goes after Aslog by himself? Does he succeed? Why or why not?

How are friendship and loyalty depicted in the novel? In what ways are they connected (or not)?

How does Cardan grow as a character? Is there a pivotal moment or scene where he matures, and how? Is he a product of his influences, or does he choose to become a villain?

How do the illustrations interact with the story’s text? How do they illuminate the narrative?

How are justice and debts portrayed in the book? Does the novel imply that the judgments passed by the characters are fair? Why or why not?

When Aslog turns into stone, it represents her static nature. Identify three characters from other works who magically transform. How does their transformation illuminate their character/personality?